Session Details & Resources

Simple Strategies to Strengthen Any Scene

Writing exercises to boost characters, conflict, and descriptive details.  

Presenter: Will Ritter (author)

Level: Middle / High School

Resources: 

Information Pilgrims: Combatting Disinformation Through International Travel 

Learn how international travel and collaborative lessons with teachers of the humanities can inform how students combat disinformation. A recent trip to Norway with The Center for Geography Education in Oregon (C-GEO) inspired a new approach to teaching students about the movement of information and ideas. With the five themes of geography as your guide, come away with a new approach for resisting propaganda. God tur! 

Presenter: Jenny Gapp 

Level: Middle / High School

Resources: Slide deck

OASL Standards: 

• LIB 1.3.A Analyze delivery formats for sharing understanding

• LIB 1.2.A: Analyze and evaluate information to draw conclusions

• LIB 1.2.F Collaborate with others to exchange ideas, develop new understandings, make decisions, and solve problems

Engaging & Building Readership and Literacy in the Oregon Karen Refugee Community 

Author Nui Wilson and educator Lwe Wah Shee will discuss their decades of volunteer work with refugee families, particularly Karen refugees, in Portland, Oregon. Through the lens of her picture book, A Tree of My Own, Nui will share how representation of refugee communities encourages literacy and engagement across generations. Lwe Wah Shee will discuss her work as a Karen translator for the picture book and at IRCO (Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization), helping families navigate health, education, and social services to support their children’s success. 

Presenters: Nui Wilson (author), Lwe Wah Shee 

Level: All

Resources: 

Advocacy, Transparency, and Flexibility: Meeting the Needs of Your District Where It Is At! 

What should you do if you don't have enough staffing or the trust of your community or the support of your administration? Show them how YOU are their partner in literacy success for ALL students, you are the person who CAN work with what you have to work with, and YOU will foster a love of reading with ALL students!

Presenter: Keely Nudo 

Level: All

Resources: Slide deck

OASL Standards:
This presentation supports all the standards through strong collection development that supports information literacy through all the standards and grade levels. 

Elementary Library Organization: Streamline & Simplify - Canceled

Resource slide deck still available. Thank you, Darcy!

Efficient organization is essential to creating a welcoming and functional elementary school library. This approach focuses on simplifying the layout and streamlining processes to enhance accessibility and foster a positive learning environment for students. By adopting user-friendly systems—such as clear signage, easy-to-navigate book categories, and intuitive check-out procedures—libraries can minimize confusion and encourage independent use by young learners. This streamlined approach not only improves the overall library experience for students and staff, but also promotes a sustainable and adaptable library program that grows alongside the needs of the school community.

Presenter: Darcy Rudnick 

Level: Elementary

Resources: Slide deck

OASL Standards: 

• Learn techniques to run an efficient and predictable library class. 

• Learn techniques to organize sections of the library to foster independence in locating materials.

• Analyze a Scope & Sequence to align standards, curriculums, & classroom projects.

Language Is Power: Status-Based Microaggressions & Advocacy for Oregon Teacher-Librarian Working Conditions 

Dr. McKenzie will present the findings and results of her qualitative dissertation: “Status-Based Microaggressions Experienced by Teacher-Librarians and Effective Strategies to Address Them.”

The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the lived experiences and working conditions of teacher-librarians in the state of Oregon, aiming to identify whether teacher-librarians experience status-based microaggressions within their learning communities, as well as document potential strategies for improved treatment of library workers.  

While many people are familiar with the term “microaggression” as it pertains to race and gender, the term “status-based” or “hierarchical” microaggressions define instances where individuals are treated differently based on their perceived status or positionality within an organization (ex. teacher-librarians may be treated differently than other instructional staff on campus).

Presenter: Jennifer McKenzie 

Level: All

Resources: Slide deck

Let's Connect: Dr. Jen's linktr.ee

OASL Standards: This presentation supports the teaching and learning of library media standards through advocacy for working conditions (working conditions = learning conditions).

The Essential Role of Librarians as Informational Literacy Experts 

Modern 5-12th grade students are tasked with navigating an overwhelming amount of information online. The prevalence of misinformation on social media, coupled with students’ tendency to consume misinformation disseminated on these platforms, contributes to alarming literacy trends in U.S. schools.

This presentation highlights tools to support necessary informational literacy skills for library patrons. A librarian is already a multimedia specialist, and with the latest tools, can be a research advocate as well.

Presenter: Marc Martorama 

Level: Middle / High School

Resources: 

OASL Standards: 

• LIB 1.1A Follow an inquiry-based process to seek knowledge

• LIB 1.1D Find, evaluate, and select appropriate resources to answer questions

• LIB 1.1E Select and use tools within sources to access content

Dewey Redo - Creating a More Browsable Nonfiction Section 

Revitalize your nonfiction section with a good weeding and regrouping. I've recently reorganized my own nonfiction section and would like to share the process for those who would like to do it as well. I'll tell you about how I whittled down my sections, relabeled by topic, and created new signage to help make the section more browsable and accessible. Since doing so, my nonfiction circulation has increased dramatically. Give your nonfiction section a glow-up!

Presenter: Jill Myers Dewein 

Level: All

Resources: Slide deck

OASL Standards: 

• LIB 1.1.A Follow an inquiry based process to seek knowledge

• LIB 1.1.B Apply prior knowledge to new learning

• LIB 1.1.E Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions

Using Literature to Boost Empathy & SEL in the Classroom & Beyond

In these divisive, anxiety-inducing times, how can we take action to counter negative behavior, change patterns, and bring positive light into our school communities? How do we encourage reflective thinking, inclusion, and compassion for others? Children's literature, in tandem with hands-on adult-guided activities, can be used as an effective multilayered creative learning tool for young readers in classrooms and homes to promote the healing powers of empathy, hope, and universal human connection for people from different backgrounds. Learn how stories are effective supplemental tools to introduce and address very real and difficult topics kids face in an open, inviting, and engaging way.

Presenter: Trudy Ludwig (author)

Level: Elementary

Resources: 

OASL Standards:

• LIB 2.1.B Identify, reflect upon and respond to works which exemplify the human experience

• LIB 2.1.D Explore text to text, text to self, and text to world connections

Collection Development 101: Considerations and Tips

Did you wind up in a school library with no training in how to run one? Need help with collection development? Yes? Then this session is for you! Come learn about key principles, tips, and resources that will help you build an excellent library collection by making intentional and defensible choices about what you buy and what you weed.

Presenter: Jen Maurer

Level: All

Resources: Slide deck

OASL Standards:

• LIB 2.1.A Read, listen to, and view a variety of genres and formats

• LIB 2.1.B Identify, reflect upon, and respond to works which exemplify the human experience

• LIB 2.2.A Read, listen to, view, and integrate information to build background knowledge

Building Engagement with ORCA

Are you curious about ORCA (Oregon Reader's Choice Award) and want to try it out? Do you already participate in ORCA and want ideas to increase student engagement? This session will showcase routines and resources designed by and for school librarians as well as have time for discussion, planning, and suggestions.

Presenter: Ellen Pedersen (Darcy Rudnick assisted with preparation.)

Level: All

Resources: Slide deck

OASL Standards:
This session will support all three standards in the reading engagement strand: develop an appreciation for reading, comprehend/interpret/evaluate text, and build reading skills and behaviors for lifelong learning. 

Diverse Books for Your Elementary Collection 

Furthering our commitment to inclusion and opening windows and doors to our diverse world, you'll leave this session with a list of potential books to add to your school library's collection.

Presenter: Kate Dutro 

Level: Elementary

Resources: Slide deck

OASL Standards:

• LIB 1.2.D Collaborate with others to exchange ideas, develop new understandings, make decisions and solve problems

• LIB 2.1.B Identify, reflect upon and respond to works which exemplify the human experience

• LIB 2.1.F Read to seek multiple diverse and inclusive perspectives

Intellectual Freedom for Schools - Laws You Should Know 

As schools face more and more challenges to their choice reading materials, it is more important than ever to be aware of the laws impacting access to library materials in schools. This session goes through the intellectual freedom rights of students in schools which is pivotal to understand in today's high censorship world. 

Presenter: Emily O’Neal 

Level: All

Resources: Slide deck

OASL Standards/Goals:
Intellectual freedom, First Amendment rights of students, access to choice reading materials

High School Book Talks 

If you've ever felt overwhelmed (don't know where to start?!) or stuck (already recommended all your favorites?!) with book talks, this session is for you. North Eugene High School librarian, Amary Taylor, will lead a fun and lively interactive session with tips, tricks, and practice. You'll leave this session feeling confident in your ability to talk up any book, any time.

Presenter: Amary Taylor 

Level: High School

Resources: 

OASL Standards: 

• LIB 1.1.H Read, view, and listen to information in a variety of formats

• LIB 1.1.B Apply prior knowledge to new learning

• LIB 1.1.I Collaborate to broaden and deepen understanding

Tips & Tricks to Get Teachers Excited about OSLIS’ Gale Resources

Classroom teachers may not realize the riches in your library and how to integrate your library into daily instruction. Learn tips, tricks, and hidden gems in OSLIS' Gale resources and pragmatic ways to share this wealth of authoritative content with departments in your building. Make your library a go-to resource for classroom teachers short on time.

(The originally-scheduled Gale trainer got sick, so the Gale session about escape rooms will be offered as a webinar instead. Details will be posted on the OASL and OSLIST listservs later this fall. Thanks to Chris for presenting today!)

Presenter: Chris Volk 

Level: All

Resources: Slide deck, Gale access via OSLIS (elementary, secondary) 

OASL Standards: 

• LIB 1.1.F  Select and use tools within sources to access content

• LIB 1.1.A Follow an inquiry based process to seek knowledge 

• LIB 1.1.D Develop, select, clarify, and use strategies to search for information

Makerspace Program for Middle Schoolers

Join K.C. Boyd as she takes you on a rollercoaster journey of her makerspace program during the school year.  K.C. will focus on themed events, low cost activities, and connected lessons that support the curriculum.   

This is a fast paced presentation. K.C. will highlight the successes and poke fun at the failures of her efforts running a solo library makerspace program.   

Presenter:  K.C. Boyd 

Level: All

Resources: 

ORCA, OBOB, & BCCCA: Engaging & Building a Community of Readers with OASL Reading Programs 

Join us for an engaging session of OASL’s 3 statewide reading incentive programs: Oregon Reader’s Choice Award (ORCA), Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award (BCCCA), and Oregon Battle Of the Books (OBOB). Ellen Pederson, ORCA (grades 3-12) Committee Chair, will share terrific tips on how your students and you can become involved. Libby Hamler-Dupras, BCCCA (grades K-5), Committee Chair will share how to promote a wide variety of books nominated in honor of Beverly Cleary. Elaine Ferrell-Burns, OBOB (grades 3-12) Board Liaison, will share pointers and resources for participation. Learn how each of these reading incentive programs encourages and recognizes students, broadens reading interests, and ultimately increases partcipants' love of reading. Posters and bookmarks of each program’s curated list of titles available while supplies last. 

Presenters:  Libby Hamler-Dupras, Ellen Pedersen, Elaine Ferrell-Burns 

Level: All

Resources: BCCCA slide deck, OBOB slide deck, ORCA slide deck

OASL Standards:

• LIB 2.1: Develop an appreciation of reading

• LIB 2.2: Comprehend, interpret, and evaluate informational and fictional text

• LIB 2.3: Build reading skills and behaviors for lifelong learning

Take a Tour of OSLIS: Your Resource for Teaching Students the Research Process

Come take a tour of OSLIS! Whether you use it regularly with your students, have never tried it, or just need a refresher, we will have resources and take-aways for you. OSLIS Committee members will be your guides through the site – including the video tutorials, ready-to-use worksheets, statewide Gale databases, and the nationally-known Citation Maker. OSLIS is a project of the Oregon Association of School Libraries in partnership with the State Library of Oregon. 

Presenters: Carrie Light, Molly Sloan

Level: All

Resources: Slide deck

OASL Standards:

• LIB 1.1.A Follow an inquiry based process to seek knowledge

• LIB 1.1.E Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions

• LIB 1.2.C Analyze, organize, and synthesize information using a variety of tools

Law for Librarians: The Laws that Govern Borrower Privacy, the Internet, and Social Media

The privacy of our library users is an important piece of our librarianship, but do you know what laws protect the privacy of our users? How does CIPA, social media, and the internet in our libraries impact privacy in libraries? If you are seeking to learn about the privacy laws and our policies we put in place for library user privacy, come attend this session!

Presenter: Heather Hornor 

Level: All

Resources: Slide deck

OASL Standards: 

• LIB 1.1.A Follow an inquiry based process to seek knowledge

• LIB 1.1.B Apply prior knowledge to new learning

• LIB 1.1.F Select and use tools within sources to access content

From Tears to Triumph: Picture Books That Shape Emotional Growth 

Explore the transformative role of picture books in nurturing emotional intelligence across all grade levels. This dynamic book talk features stories that support students in recognizing emotions, cultivating empathy, and strengthening social connections. From engaging tales for younger children to meaningful narratives for older students, this book talk will highlight literature that resonates with diverse age groups. Attendees will gain strategies to integrate these books into their library programs, helping to foster emotionally resilient readers. 

Presenter: Beth Clarke 

Level: All

Resources: Slide deck

OASL Standards/Goals:

• Participants will evaluate picture books that effectively support the development of emotional intelligence across K-12 grade levels, aligning with OASL's focus on exploration and literature appreciation. 

• Participants will apply strategies to incorporate emotionally resonant literature into school library programming, fostering student engagement, inquiry, and social-emotional growth in alignment with OASL's emphasis on supporting student learning and well-being.

• Participants will reflect on the role of the school library staff in cultivating empathy and emotional resilience through literature, consistent with OASL's stand of promoting inclusive learning communities and supporting the whole child. 

Middle Grade Book Talks 

Hear about some new middle grade reads and some old favorites. I'll share books for you to share with your students - my go-tos for reluctant readers and those voracious readers who can't wait to find the next series to dig into.  

Presenter: Jill Myers Dewein 

Level: Middle

Resources: Slide deck

OASL Standards: 

• LIB 1.1.H Read, view, and listen to information in a variety of formats

• LIB 1.1.B Apply prior knowledge to new learning

• LIB 1.1.I Collaborate to broaden and deepen understanding

Exploring Core Library Tenets Through the Lens of the ALA Code of Ethics 

When was the last time you read the ALA Code of Ethics? Do you recall that it covers equity, confidentiality and privacy, intellectual freedom and anti-censorship, and more? Let’s explore those core tenets of the library profession through the lens of the ALA Code of Ethics. How might those tenets shape your school library program? This session is geared towards staff with no formal library education, but all are welcome.

Presenter: Jen Maurer 

Level: All

Resources: Slide deck

OASL Standards:

• LIB 1.1.C Develop, select, clarify, and use questions to search for information

• LIB 1.2.B Analyze and evaluate information to make informed decisions

• LIB 1.2.G Reach and defend informed conclusions based on best evidence

Stark Raving OYAN: The Best Comics and Manga of 2025 

Ever wonder which of the 50 new manga titles to add to your school library? Do you know what new young adult novels have been turned into a graphic novel? Are there any superhero titles meant for teens anymore? Learn which titles published over the past year were selected by teen services librarians for OYAN's 2025 Graphic Rave list.

Presenters: Mark Richardson and Lily Hawley

Level: All

Resources: Slide deck

OASL Standards: 

• LIB 2.1.A Read, listen to, and view a variety of genres and formats

• LIB 2.1.F Read to seek multiple diverse and inclusive perspectives

• LIB 2.3.B Contribute to a reading and learning community

• LIB 2.3.C Self-select reading materials from a variety of genres and formats